Dumka, Nov 23: A quiet village in Dumka woke up to a disturbing tragedy on Sunday as four members of the same family were found dead under highly suspicious circumstances in Bardehih village.
Villagers first noticed the body of Birendra Manjhi lying in a field early in the morning. When they went to his house, they found an even more horrifying sight. Inside a room, his wife Aarti Kumari and their two children, Rohi and Viraj, were lying dead. At first glance, it appeared as if the children were sleeping beside their mother, but closer inspection revealed that ropes were tied around their necks.
The similar condition of all four bodies has made the case highly suspicious. Preliminary evidence suggests that the deaths may have been caused by strangulation. The police are leaning more towards the possibility of murder, but the final cause of death will only be confirmed after the post-mortem reports.
According to sources, Aarti had been staying at her parental home in Palojori with her children for the last few days. Birendra reportedly brought them back home on Saturday, and within hours, all four were found dead on Sunday morning, making the incident even more mysterious. There is no clear information about any major family dispute.
Sources suggest that Birendra may have strangled his wife and children and later died by suicide, but the police have not confirmed this theory. Hansdiha police have sent the bodies for post-mortem and are closely examining the house, surrounding area and questioning relatives, neighbours and villagers.
